STEM Project

Cross Sectoral STEM Programme involving Primary, Post Primary & Third Level organisations 

On May 27th Wexford Education Support Centre was delighted to see this innovative programme involving a number of Science Teachers from Gorey Community School & Maynooth University who provided a variety of STEM Workshops to various local Primary Schools. 

The six workshops offered a rich and engaging introduction to key areas in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Each session was thoughtfully designed to stimulate curiosity and hands-on learning. From chemistry—examining the importance of pH in everything from skincare to seed planting—to physics, where students explored density and discovered why submarines float, the experience was both educational and inspiring.

The mathematics workshop brought abstract concepts to life, demonstrating in a fun and interactive way that maths is all around us. In biology, students explored how plants convert sunlight into energy through chromatography—a creative and insightful activity. The technology session, where students built their own torches, offered a brilliant and practical way to understand light and circuits. And the LEGO STEM City from Maynooth University was wonderful way to embrace sustainability. 

I would particularly like to thank Gráinne Mulcahy and Deirdre Byrne for their excellent organisation and coordination of this innovative event and all the teachers involved for delivering such high-quality, engaging workshops. This was a fantastic way to help Sixth Class students to get to know their new Post Primary school while engaging in a fun activity.

These workshops have not only enriched the students’ understanding of STEM but have also helped build excitement and confidence as they prepare for this important next step in their education.  

STEM community of practice WESC

science -technology - Engineering - math (stem)

 community of practice

                                                                                                                                                                        STEM CLUB - Celebrating Summer and Biodiversity Week - Practical Ideas and Resources

Native Irish hawthorn

A New Approach to STEM Education - The Dream Space Digital Academy

"Driving Home For Christmas"

 

                                        

About the Project:
This project is run in partnership with the Institute of Education, DCU, Drumcondra and The Irish American Partnership (IAP). The project was established with the aim to make the benefits of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in primary science more widely available to primary school teachers in schools in Co
Wexford. We know children display a clear eagerness to engage with STEM subjects early on and access to high-quality learning experiences ensures this spark
and curiosity remains. The support of the IAP ensures that teachers get ongoing support and resources to effectively lay the groundwork for critical thinking and
problem-based learning.

Integrating STEM into Renewable Energy Projects:
The project integrated design thinking into STEM lessons to enhance creative problem-solving skills and promote students’ ability to innovate, collaborate and engage in critical thinking. The programme and design challenges are ideal for any classroom and engage students in real-world learning through practical
hands-on activities. The aim of this project is to improve teachers' understanding of STEM concepts and renewable energy technology with increased energy literacy. The project-based learning approach increased students’ STEM content knowledge but also transversal STEM skills such as creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.
When teachers have access to the correct educational tools and engaging classroom activities they can bring energy topics to life for their students while preparing them for the jobs and challenges of the 21st century. Unfortunately, these tools are often expensive and difficult to find and can be perceived as for educators to efficiently integrate into existing curricula. This project provides the opportunity to offer teachers ongoing support and training and also the resources to implement hands-on learning experiences.

Session 1:
Online CPD and introduction to integrated STEM method:
Date: Tuesday, May 10th 2022
Time: 4-5.30 pm
1. St Iberius NS Sarah Meyler
2. Castledockrell NS Deirdre Ryan
3. Rathnure NS Sinead Doyle 
4. Scoil Moling-Glynn Caitríona Kelly 
5. Gorey Central School Lynne Copeland
6. Scoil Naomh Abbain Claire Kickham 
7. Kilmyshall National School Graham Finnerty 
8. Carysfort NS Rebecca Ivanoff 
9. Scoil Íosagáin Coolgreany Lorcan Browne 
10. St. Enda's National School Seamus Dempsey 
11. St John of God Rose-Marie O'Loughlin 
Session 2:
Co-teaching visit:
In-class support for the class teacher
Direct Student Engagement: 313
Number of schools: 10
Number of teachers: 13
School Visits:

Engaging Learners:
The programme workshops and lessons tested a variety of engaging, active, and student-centred teaching methods. Methodologies including experiential, inquiry-based, and small group design thinking approached all proved to be effective. Discussions and conversations among learners were used to help them think
more deeply about concepts, compare perceptions, understand different opinions, and reflect on what they know.

Scientific Thinking:
Learners actively participate in scientific inquiry and STEM workshops, leading to an increased understanding of science and how it impacts our daily lives. Emphasis was placed on energy labs and understanding energy concepts and increased energy literacy. The Renewable Tech Lab allowed teachers and students to creatively explore the science, technology and real-world application of a future powered by renewable energy. We used engineering design skills, investigated practical real-world applications of science, worked collaboratively and had fun at the same time!

Outcomes:
Outcomes were measured through observation and feedback (informal) interviews and feedback from teachers, students and course facilitators.
• Renewable energy projects enhanced students' achievement of STEM knowledge and generate
meaningful learning.
• The project-based approach increased students' STEM skills and working scientifically
• Increased understanding of science concepts with real-world application

Next Steps:
Helping teachers integrate Energy Literacy and Renewable Tech across existing curricula:
• Easy access to the content and teaching materials,
• Aligned to curriculum and learning outcomes expected
• sustained support and ongoing CPD

Figure 1: Hands of investigation into Renewable Energy. A selection of schools across Wexford

Figure 2: Renewable Energy STEM project 

 These workshops explore a range of resources that can be used to effectively develop active pupil learning in the area of STEM. They are intended to support teachers in facilitating learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in the primary setting. Each webinar shares practical ideas and learning experiences to support teachers in school. The workshops coincide with national STEM weeks such as Maths Week, Science Week, Engineers Week, Code Week & Space Week.

At the end of the 6 workshops participants will have experienced:

• Hands-on STEM activities using a range of technologies.
• A clear understanding about the benefits of STEM and its use in education
• Comprehensive curriculum-linked resources supporting the implementation of STEM within your teaching practice during national STEM weeks.